KnownCarProblems2013 Ford Focus Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 2,112 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Focus, most often about the transmission (52% of complaints, typically around 39,000 miles). It is 4th of 19 Focus model years by number of complaints and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2013 Ford Focus problems
Transmission
1,102 complaints · 52%Half of these problems showed up before 39,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, clutch assembly.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus se. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk with an accompanying rattle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who reprogrammed the PCM and the TCM. The clutch assembly was replaced on a separate visit. After the repairs were…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to respond to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission was re-calibrated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not…
Engine
358 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, cooling system.
Upon startup, the car idles rough and the rpms drop until the ecu catches it and the rpms increase. The problem becomes more frequent as the car is driven. At times, the rpms will drop so far that the car will stall. The problem tends to get worse as the car heats up. It has stalled multiple times when come to a stop…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Electrical
276 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 43,500 miles. Parts named most often: software, horn, wiring, instrument panel.
Upon startup, the car idles rough and the rpms drop until the ecu catches it and the rpms increase. The problem becomes more frequent as the car is driven. At times, the rpms will drop so far that the car will stall. The problem tends to get worse as the car heats up. It has stalled multiple times when come to a stop…
The steering problems started nearly two months ago. At first it was a faint pull in the wheel... I incorrectly assumed it was a tire balance issue. Then three weeks ago, I noticed the "pull" was getting stronger, and seemed to coincide with the A/C fan or random light failing. Two weeks ago was the worst - I was on…
Steering
273 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 74,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, rack and pinion, electric power assist system, column.
Driving from home, made two turns with the steering somewhat "grabbing" both times, but after getting to maintain speed at about 50 MPH it seems to be fine, until I went to make a small adjustment in direction, started getting a steering failure and the steering just stuck, so I turned hard to over correct (like you…
Drove out of state for a wedding, parked car at a rest stop to use the bathroom came back out started the car to find a warning light "steering assist fault" amber colored [I] appeared on the dash and unable to turn the steering wheel. My husband took the drivers seat to drive to the next exit where our hotel is to…
Fuel system
263 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, fuel injection system.
I have a check engine light that is on found out its a evap leak gas gauge not working ran out of gas can not put gas on gas tank with a gas can if I try it pours out the bottom when I start vehicle it shudders and wants to die out on me lack of power when I press on the gas pedal and ticking sound in engine also door…
Car will die while driving or stopped at light or stop sign. Car will die after putting gas in tank. Car died will driving at a speeds of 20mph-65mph on multiple occasions. Was forced to make dangerous maneuvers to get off highway and on 2 occasions car died in middle of an intersection. Was told by mechanic the…
Other or unspecified
196 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 66,000 miles.
Driver side door latch broke and door opened up while driving. I was forced to drive the vehicle while holding my door shut and clutch shifting in order to get it to the dealership. The first dealership was unable to service it until august 25th 2016 (red mccombs Ford west). So, I was forced to drive it 16 miles on…
Drivers door latch just stopped working. The door will not stay closed and Ford said they do not have a recall at this time. It is an estimated $700 for the repairs which I feel is outrageous since the car is only 3 years old. Obviously there are multiple owners with the same issue.
Speed control
112 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 21,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
The car is experiencing transmission problems. It shudders and bogs down as I am accelerating, and often lurches forward unexpectedly. The car makes a loud grinding noise when shifting through gears. The problems began in low gears, but I am now experiencing problems at all speeds, including lurching forward. I have…
Just purchased a used Ford Focus se 2013. The car lurches forward upon accelerating and then the rpms decrease while accelerating, then increase for a moment, then decrease again. This happens any time I accelerate. The car jerks forward then stops. While the rpms are increasing, the car makes a revving sound almost…
Body and structure
84 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 50,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.
I was making a right hand turn and the drivers side door on my 2 year old Ford Focus flew open. It almost hit an oncoming car causing an accident. Now the dow will not close at all.
On two separate occasions, the driver side rear door and passenger side rear door of my 2013 Ford Focus have swung open whilst driving due to a faulty door latch. It occurs after I have closed the door fully with no hazard lights on the dash to warn of any problems, such as the door ajar message. Due to the forces of…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Ford Focus recalls
Fuel system: canister
Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 29, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s40. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on july 6,2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18v735. The canister purge valve (cpv) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
Equipment: engine block heater
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed march 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s01. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall b
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 focus, 2013-2019 escape, and 2015-2016 mkc vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on july 27, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s30.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 fiesta, 2013-2014 fusion, 2015 mustang, 2013-2015 escape and c-max, 2012-2015 focus, 2014-2016 transit connect, 2013-2014 lincoln mkz, and 2015 mkc vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15v-246, 16v-643 or 17v-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Fuel system: canister
Risk: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the cpv as needed. If the cpv is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began july 29, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s22.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 focus vehicles equipped with 2.0l gdi gasoline engines and 2013-2014 focus st vehicles equipped with 2.0l gtdi engines, previously recalled under 18v-735. The affected vehicles did not have the powertrain control module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the canister purge valve (cpv) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
Fuel system: canister
Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the cpv as needed. If the cpv is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began august 19, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s32. Note: until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 ford focus vehicles with a 2.0l gdi or 2.0l gtdi engine. The canister purge valve (cpv) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
Doors and locks: lock
Risk: With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began february 10, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16c13.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 ford focus hatchback vehicles manufactured february 14, 2012, to august 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on january 27, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s30.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 ford focus, 2013-2015 ford escape and ford c-max, 2015 lincoln mkc and ford mustang, and 2014-2016 ford transit connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on january 7, 2016. Owners may contact ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14s17-s1.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 escape vehicles manufactured january 11, 2012, to april 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 focus st vehicles manufactured may 03, 2012, to october 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the manifold absolute pressure (map) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Electrical: wiring
Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in october 2014. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14s17.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 escape vehicles manufactured october 5, 2011, to april 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and focus st vehicles manufactured february 14, 2012, to october 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the manifold absolute pressure (map) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Lights: exterior lighting
Risk: Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on august 16, 2013. Owners may contact the ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13c04.
Full defect summary
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 focus bev vehicles equipped with high intensity discharge (hid) headlights, manufactured september 15, 2011, through may 6, 2013; and model year 2013 focus st vehicles equipped with high intensity discharge (hid) headlights, manufactured february 16, 2012, through may 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Doors and locks: latches/locks/linkages
Risk: The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on march 27, 2013. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Full defect summary
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 focus and c-max vehicles built from november 16, 2012, through november 21, 2012; and model year 2013 escape vehicles manufactured from november 14, 2012, through november 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
On september 15, 2023, the office of defect investigation (odi) opened this recall query (rq) after receiving 98 consumer complaints alleging loss of motive power in model year (my) 2012-2018 ford focus vehicles. The rq focused on the effectiveness of the remedies of recall 18v-735 and 19v-515. In october 2018, ford issued recall 18v-735, which updated powertrain control module (PCM) software in my 2012-2018 ford focus vehicles equipped with 2.0l gdi engines built prior to april 13, 2017, and those with 2.0l gtdi engines built prior to february 2, 2018. The recall addressed vehicles experiencing a malfunctioning canister purge valve (cpv) that can stick open and PCM software that does not ad
Door latch failures
Summary
In december 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on 235 vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (my) 2012-2014 ford fiesta, and 2013-2014 fusion and lincoln mkz. Some voqs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other voqs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? Condition, however in certain somewhat rare circu
Door latch failure
Summary
In january, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (my) 2012-2013 ford focus vehicles (subject vehicles).odi has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.one consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and then closed on a child's arm.another alleged that a door that inadvertently opened struck a parked vehicle.in response to odi's information request, ford motor company (ford) provided 500 unique repo
Questions about the 2013 Ford Focus
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Focus?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (1,102 complaints, typically around 39,000 miles); engine (358 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles); electrical (276 complaints, typically around 43,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Focus have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 9, 2026 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Ford Focus?
- It is 4th of 19 Focus model years by number of complaints, with 2,112 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.